Important Advice for your Gap Year

Alcohol, smoking and the possession of drugs on school premises is illegal for all of our destinations and will not be tolerated by any host school – it is an area of zero tolerance. Please do not think that this will go undetected at any stage. Such behaviour will result in immediate dismissal. Please remember you are in a foreign country and that you must abide by local laws. As an organisation, we are unable to assist those who disregard this advice given, and we are not in a position to help you should you be involved in illegal behaviour. To squander the opportunity of a gap year in this way is a terrible waste and irreversible.

As you know, you’ve signed a contract with your host school as well as with us. Gap Assistants are an important part of the staff and help to keep the school running smoothly. As well as some unforgettably amazing times, there will be some very tough times ahead (you will get homesick, tired, frustrated and maybe even feel a little sad). Quitting (for whatever reason) should never be an option, even if it does cross your mind. A gap year is all about commitment, learning from the experience and pushing through the hard times. Communication is key, and we are always around for a chat!

During your interview, we highlighted the importance of having a high level of enthusiasm, trustworthiness and initiative. We don’t want you to forget this (yes, even when the times get tough) as you are now employed as a member of staff and will be expected to continually uphold these qualities throughout your time at your host school. Remember your enthusiasm and attitude will rub off on others and there is nothing worse than working with someone who clearly doesn’t want to be there or who needs continuous instruction. No one likes an unhappy gappy!

Post responsibly! We all know that nothing is sacred once you click that ‘post’ button. Believe it or not, your employer will probably have Facebook and they probably will stalk you… Anything you wouldn’t want your Grandmother to see, maybe just leave out of the gap year photo album. We strongly suggest doing a quick ‘clean up’ ASAP (yep, that ‘untag’ button is going to come in handy). A few things to remember: it is NEVER okay to include images of another member of staff or a pupil on social media, and it is NEVER acceptable to invite (or accept – trust us, they will try) any pupil of the school as a ‘friend’ on your social media accounts.

Your initial application and subsequent medical form included a section relating to health issues. If you have any undeclared health issues, you must let us know as soon as possible. To embark upon the year knowingly having (or having had) a health condition of any kind and not declaring it is unfair to us, your host school, your fellow gappies and potentially yourself. Your host school needs to be informed of any medical condition (big or small), so that reasonable measures can be taken. Not to mention that your travel insurance may have to be adjusted to cover pre-existing conditions!

Let’s just say blue hair is a big NO NO. Schools are very conservative environments and you are expected to appear neat and tidy day in and day out. So please, no spontaneous visible tattoos or piercings. If you’re unsure, check with your school.

It is important to remember that internal affairs of the school are strictly confidential, whether you are at school (in the company of other staff, parents or pupils), or in a bar with friends, where others may hear your conversation. Never underestimate the term “there are eyes and ears everywhere”, because there are, literally. Be careful of what you say, where and to whom.

When it comes to physical contact within a school environment, it can sometimes be misinterpreted. The little things you usually wouldn’t think twice about like an encouraging slap on the back or a sympathetic hug, are something that can (potentially) lead to a parental complaint and subsequently end in a staff member being suspended. Please be aware of your host school’s expectations in this area and try to think of what would be considered inappropriate from a student’s perspective. It is also extremely important to avoid all social or personal associations/relationships with pupils; at no stage should a student ever set foot in your accommodation. There is zero tolerance for this sort of breach and it could result in immediate dismissal from your position.

Mum and Dad may well take this gap year of yours as a chance to book an escapade for themselves! As a result, your family will normally want to visit you (you thought you could escape them? – not a chance!) Schools are of course very welcoming of family visits, but please remember you are an employee, and you won’t be allowed instant leave or extra leave should your family be visiting during term time. As previously mentioned, communication is key!

If you are wanting to pursue interests outside the school, it is essential that you check with your host school and get permission before committing to anything. Your commitments to the school always need to be top priority & your outside interests shouldn’t impact your role in the school.

You (and Mum and Dad) will have questions for your host school before your arrival. We can’t recommend strongly enough that this contact should be made by you, rather than your parents. This is your gap year, a gateway to greater independence. The reality is that once you step off that plane, it is all down to you.

It is not a good idea to compare your host school’s financial package to others. Every school is different, particularly given visa-oriented constraints and tough financial times. It is important to keep in mind that your gap year position offers a unique experience and opportunity that shouldn’t be measured in financial terms. You could be paid weekly, fortnightly or monthly – every school is different. It may also be worth checking whether your host school intends to pay you throughout the holidays or during term time only.

Accommodation varies from host school to host school and may change during your placement. The accommodation provided could be in a boarding house or in a separate area within the school grounds. Arrive with an open mind rather than with strong expectations. Host schools are within their rights to conduct regular inspections of accommodation and take appropriate action where necessary, so please keep it clean and tidy. Come the end of your gap year, your accommodation should be in the exact same state as you found it.